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Thursday, February 26, 2015

Equal vs Fair

One of the things being a Targeted Title 1 school has reminded me of is the difference between equal and fair. We have always made sure our at-risk students received intervention, but now we have been given additional resources that need to be specifically tracked and monitored to be sure they are going to our neediest students. That caused a bit of row at one of our PTA meetings when parents realized that resources were going to some students and not others. Small group instruction and additional time is one thing, but when it comes to getting additional technology or holding a before or after school program, then people can start asking the question, "Why can't my child have that?".

The meeting I just spoke of was really an eye opener for me. I didn't realize how poor a job I had done of explaining how Targeted Title 1 works and also explaining the difference between equal and fair. People often have a mindset that schools provide the same services to every child. While we do offer the same opportunities for all children and have the same high expectations for all students, our methods for assisting students is differentiated according to the needs of the child. Some children need reading support, others math or writing. Some may need counseling time for emotional support or help developing friendship skills. One of the remarkable things about the public school system (and our school) is the ability of staff members to determine the needs of each student and then provide the necessary support for each child.

Explaining the difference between equal and fair can be challenging, but as educators, we know the difference and are ready to provide the support, the time, and the encouragement each child needs to be successful. So keep on giving equal opportunities, equal access, and equal rights to all students, but make sure they all get what's fair in the classroom!

Equal vs Fair

PEARLS OF WISDOM

"Fairness is what justice really is." - Potter Stewart

"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you." - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

"Fairness is not an attitude. It's a professional skill that must be developed and exercised." - B. Hume